Chris Norwood was inspired to become involved with Fidelco while at a work event where Paralympic athlete and Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder was the guest speaker. “To see firsthand the bond Brad had with his Fidelco guide dog and the impact the dog had on his life was very powerful,” shares Chris.
Chris quickly decided to volunteer with Fidelco and has since devoted countless hours serving in many capacities. As four-time Puppy Raisers, Chris and his family have welcomed Fidelco pups “Piper,” “Cami,” “Parrow,” and “Uni” into their home. They also adopted Fidelco career-change dog, “Leeta,” who is a cherished family pet.
Chris is part of a network of volunteers and staff who provide guidance, advice, and friendship throughout the puppy raising process. “One thing I learned very quickly is the amazing people who repeatedly open their hearts and homes to these puppies are a very special group,” Chris shares. “Spending Saturday mornings with them is not only educational but fun. Some of the more experienced Puppy Raisers share tips and personal success stories, and everyone joins in to welcome new puppies on placement day.”
While Chris was raising Piper, he accepted a new career opportunity with The Hartford. “It was very important to find an employer that shared my views on volunteering and giving back to the community. I found that and more when I joined The Hartford,” Chris says. “Employees are given paid time each year to volunteer with the organization of our choosing. Fidelco and The Hartford seemed like a great fit.”
The Hartford’s commitment to community and advancing social equity is reflected in its history of support of organizations like Fidelco. Through matching gifts, grants, and employee engagement, The Hartford has contributed to Fidelco’s charitable mission of providing guide dog partnerships for people who are blind.
Chris has organized employee service days when The Hartford team members help with everything from kennel cleanups, to outdoor raking and planting, to van cleaning. Fidelco provides tailored program options to give corporate partners opportunities for team building and employee employee engagement, while enhancing guide dog training to make a difference in the lives of Fidelco clients.
“It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world when you see a guide dog with their human partner out living their life. You can usually tell a Fidelco guide dog from far away. You are thrilled to see them doing exactly what we raise them to do, sad to know that your time with them is always too short, but most of all proud to think you played a little part in changing someone’s life.”
“One of my favorite things to do is bring the puppies in to work with me,” says Chris. “Colleagues love it, and it is so beneficial for the dogs to learn how to navigate in the office environment. It’s a great chance to socialize puppies while at the same time educating people on everything that goes into raising a future guide dog. Whether it’s a Tuesday night meet-up, school visit, or meeting with a local scout troop, 4-H, or Lions Club, you are always met with excitement and curiosity.”
Thanks to Chris and other volunteers, staff and supporters, there are many full-circle moments. Chris remarks, “The best part is being able to meet these puppies during those first eight weeks and then follow along as they get placed with their Puppy Raisers, grow and develop in class each week, and head down the path to become a guide dog, a breed mom, or whatever lies ahead.”
More Fidelco News
The post Volunteer Story: Chris Norwood first appeared on Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.